About the list: This is a list of the 10 most important bands/artists in the genre, i.e. most influential bands/artists. The competition is fierce. There's a difference between importance and greatness, although there is a statistical correlation. My preference list would look slightly different.

No

Album art

Artist

Active

Notes

1

16 Horsepower

NO

Their influence and importance cannot be overstated. Their music often invoked religious imagery dealing with conflict, redemption, punishment, and guilt (but not necessarily in that order). This is the mother of (almost) all “gothic country” bands.

2

The Handsome Family

YES

The Addams Family of Gothic Country, where Brett and Rennie obviously would be Gomez and Rennie would be Morticia. THF takes this nickname with calm serenity. The "True Detective" theme made them famous. But, they are so much more.

3

Those Poor Bastards

YES

The finest purveyors of evil doom country. With uncompromising attitude and musical dedication they have built a very strong fanbase. Those Poor Bastards is the band others wanted to be. This is no novelty act. TPB is the real thing.

4

Slim Cessna's Auto Club

YES

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club is one of the stalwarts of the incestious Denver scene. Slim Cessna and Jay Munly are the hub and creative force in the most resistant, hardwearing and viable band in the gothic country genre. Formed in 1992 and still kickin'.

5

Sons of Perdition

YES

The finest example of apocalyptic doom country. The element of country is contentious, especially by the founder Zebulon Whatley. Many layers to excavate and ambiguties to interpret in the lyrics. The have built a strong fanbase over the years.

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6

Munly & the Lee Lewis Harlots

NO

Nothing lasts forever. Even the longest, the most glittering reign must come to an end someday. The importance of being Munly. One of many incarnations. This band only made one self-titled album. A true masterpiece with a huge impact on the genre.

7

Reverend Glasseye

NO

One of the most important bands in the gothic country genre. However, Reverend Glasseye was his own worst enemy and the initial success became an obstacle for further success. Reverend Glasseye was too talented for his own good.

8

Wovenhand

YES

Post-16 Horsepower. Wovenhand refers to two hands clasped in a prayer. David Eugene Edwards changed the musical direction into a harder, darker, sheerer and more enigmatic style. Their music is getting harder and less enigmatic with every album.

9

O'Death

YES

O’Death (stylized as o'death) is a band from hipster Brooklyn, New York. They combine elements of folk, bluegrass, punk, metal and Americana music. With five solid albums under their belt, they have built a strong fanbase. This is "appalachian hard-core".

10

Slackeye Slim

YES

Overlooked, yet important. It has been quiet from Slackeye Slim for some time. In fact, I'm not sure if I should write "yes" or "no" in the active column. I hope it's a "yes". Who knows. Slackeye Slim gives the concept of "loner" a new and deeper meaning.